Christians unite against corruption

Corruption is the dishonest, fraudulent conduct of power. It's also the abuse of public influence. The Exposed 2013 Global Campaign is unifying Christians around the world to lift the lid on all forms of global corruption.

Graham Power, the founder of the Global Day of Prayer and Unashamedly Ethical movements, spoke in Cape Town at a gathering and said "that we will never rid the world of systemic poverty until we rid it of systemic corruption".

The campaign focuses on exposing corruption as the main cause of poverty.

Reverend Joel Edwards, international Coordinator of Exposed said: "Over US$1 trillion goes missing every year from the global economy as a result of corruption and it's predicted that illegal tax evasion alone will be responsible for 5.6 million children dying in developing countries between 2000 and 2015. That's 1,000 children every day. We think it is time for us to take action."

Edwards and Power were some of the leading international figures from the religious world at Exposed. They have challenged Christians on a world level and asked that they too join and take a stand against corrupt practices contributing to poverty.

The gathering brought together representatives of various civic organisations, government, church, and business.

"My stand against corruption was worthwhile because I was being obedient to God. I believe that leaders have to accept responsibility for change," said South African businesswoman Michelle Harding.

Reverend Dr Dion Forster, Chairman of Exposed said: "We want a million people to sign our Global Call for Integrity, a call for financial transparency and honesty, which will be presented to leaders of the most powerful economies across the world. But that's just the start of it.

"Each one of us must realise that we have a critical part to play in tackling corruption in our own lives and communities."

Joyce Thong, coordinator of Exposed in Malaysia, has challenged Church members globally to completely commit themselves and take on the responsibility of their nations by first making a personal commitment and then extending that commitment into their community.

Resources and toolkits have been put together to help people stand against corruption in their communities, businesses and governments.

A prayer week will see some 2,000 vigils taking place all over the world. Hundreds and thousands of Christians are expected to gather for special church services and gatherings.

Online resources were also made available in order to help churches and businesses sign the Exposed campaign's Global Call for Integrity.

"The resources launched at the Cape Town event aim to highlight the issue of corruption in the next six months and help individuals, churches and organisations across the globe break the barriers of corruption in their own communities and sign the Call for Integrity," said Amanda Jackson from the Exposed London team.

It is not always convenient to serve others, but it is definitely worth it. Olga Mantula from Hillsong Moscow shared an experience she had when she was only six years old that helped change her perspective about helping other people.

Why is Pastor Carl Lentz such a hit among NBA stars? The Bleacher Report called the Hillsong Church pastor "the patron saint of NBA stars" for offering spiritual guidance to the likes of Kevin Durant, Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony, Jeremy Lin, Landry Fields and other basketball bigwigs.